An Overview of Osteoporosis Exercises
Exercise carries many benefits, including increased muscle strength, coordination, and overall better health. There is also a special link between
osteoporosis and exercise. Osteoporosis exercises are important for treating and preventing osteoporosis, because they can improve bone health and reduce the risk of falls that can result in fractures.
How Osteoporosis Exercises Benefit Bone
Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Young women and men who exercise regularly generally achieve greater peak bone mass -- maximum
bone density and strength -- than those who do not exercise. As a general rule, bone mass peaks during the third decade of life. After that time, we can begin to lose bone. Women and men older than age 20 can help prevent bone loss with regular exercise. Exercise allows us to maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance, which in turn help prevent falls and related fractures. This is especially important for older adults and people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Weight-Bearing Osteoporosis Exercises
Weight-bearing activities can help you maintain strong bones; therefore, weight-bearing exercises are considered good osteoporosis exercises. Weight-bearing exercises are those in which bones and muscles work against gravity.
Examples of weight-bearing osteoporosis exercises include:
- Walking
- Climbing stairs
- Dancing
- Lifting weights
- Using resistance machines
- Racquet sports
- Stair climbing.
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